Don’t confuse it with a conventional transceiver controlled by software. SDR goes much further. It is the most exciting development in amateur radio for many years and is set to totally change the scene of HF radio communications for the future.
With SDR the PC becomes the central processor for the transceiver. The majority of the tasks including IF filtering, SSB / AM / FM generation, DSP processing, Audio Tailoring, AGC, ALC and Receiver Demodulation are taken out of the hardware transceiver and given over to the PC.
The SDR-1000 incorporates a novel Quadrature Sampling Detector to provide high dynamic range with minimal components. An Analog Devices AD 9854 quadrature DDS and 200MHz 1ps jitter clock oscillator provides continuous coverage with very low phase noise.
Tayloe detector: The switch rotates at the carrier frequency so that each capacitor samples the signal once each revolution. The 0° and 180° capacitors differentially sum to provide the in-phase ( to provide the quadrature (I) signal and the 90° and 270° capacitors sum Q) signal.
The rotating switch will therefore sample the signal at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, respectively. Therefore, each sample represents the integral or average voltage of the signal during its respective one-quarter cycle. When the switch is off, each sampling capacitor will hold its value until the next revolution. If the RF carrier and the rotating frequency were exactly in phase, the output of each capacitor will be a dc level equal to the average value of the sample.
The outputs of the sampling capacitors are differentially summed through the two ultra-low-noise op amps to form the I and Q outputs, respectively. The Tayloe detector has less than 1 dB of conversion loss.
SDR 1000 with Firebox soundcard
World's Best Narrow Spaced Dynamic Range 99dB of two-tone, third order dynamic range and +26 dBm IP3 at 2 KHz spacing (14 MHz, 500 Hz bandwidth, Medium Preamp Setting, M-Audio Delta 44 sound card) make the SDR-1000 the best performing narrow-spaced radio on the amateur radio market today. Closely spaced two-tone third order dynamic range, combined with extremely low local oscillator phase noise is the primary factor that determines the performance of modern receivers. The SDR-1000 incorporates a novel Quadrature Sampling Detector (QSD) that offers significantly higher dynamic range than traditional mixers. Further, by using a single conversion from RF to audio frequencies, other sources of nonlinearity are eliminated as compared to multi-conversion receivers. The SDR-1000 also uses a very low phase noise oscillator and direct digital synthesizer (DDS) to minimize reciprocal mixing with large adjacent signals. This means that you can work the weak signals in the presence of nearby strong signals.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a collection of hardware and software technologies that enable reconfigurable system architectures for wireless communications. SDR provides an efficient and comparatively inexpensive solution to the problem of building multi-mode, multi-band, multi-functional communications devices that can be enhanced using software upgrades. As such, SDR can really be considered an enabling technology that is applicable across a wide range of areas within the wireless industry.
SDR-enabled communications devices can be dynamically programmed in software to reconfigure the characteristics of equipment. In other words, the same piece of "hardware" can be modified to perform different functions at different times. This allows the manufacturer to concentrate development efforts on a common hardware platform.
The SDR-1000:The SDR-1000, from Flexradio. is a complete Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceiver interface to a Personal Computer. It provides everything needed to convert a PC into a high performance, 11 KHz - 65 MHz general coverage receiver with 160M-6M (2M optional) Amateur Radio band transmit capability. The SDR-1000 is described in detail in a four part article series in QEX Magazine.
With the new RF Expansion Board (RFE), the SDR-1000 offers world class > 90 dB third-order IMD dynamic range (depending on sound card quality) and -141dBm MDS in a 500Hz bandwidth.
The SDR-1000 incorporates a novel Quadrature Sampling Detector to provide high dynamic range with minimal components. An Analog Devices AD 9854 quadrature DDS and 200MHz 1ps jitter clock oscillator provides continuous coverage with very low phase noise. The SDR-1000 delivers 100 W PEP on the 160-10m (50W 60m) HF bands with the optional SDR-100 W PA linear amplifier. Without the amplifier, it provides 1W PEP on HF and 500 mW on 6m. The SDR-1000/RO is a receive only version that does not include the RFE board.
The real-time panadapter spectrum display allows you to view signals up and down the band at up to 50 frames per second with ~10Hz resolution. When calibrated with an accurate signal generator, the spectrum display and associated dBm power meter provide signal location and measurement capabilities comparable to expensive lab test equipment. Phase, Waterfall, and Histogram display modes are also provided.
Click on the spectrum display to tune instantly to any visible signal. Click tuning works in all modes and works especially well for centering the desired signal in the selected filter’s passband.
Contesting and DX chasing become a snap when you can see the signal, click to tune, make the contact, and move off to the next one. For VHF and up, the same features let you find off-frequency signals in seconds and work them with ease.
Brick Wall No Ring Filters and No Pump AGC 2048 tap DSP filters provide a 1.35:1 shape factor for a 500 Hz filter and 1.06:1 for a 2.6 KHz filter (3dB to 60dB BW). Strong signals simply disappear within a few Hertz of the filter cutoff frequency. The radio’s unparalleled selectivity lets you enjoy the bands with much less interference from adjacent stations. The filter size can be set by the user from 256 to 2048 taps to allow the tradeoff between filter shape factor vs. latency (time delay through the filter). Ten standard filter bandwidth buttons plus two custom filters with variable high and low cutoff are provided
No-ring filters down to 25 Hz bandwidth allow you to pull in extremely weak signals even among strong adjacent stations. The narrow filters make on the air CW signals sound amazingly like a code practice oscillator.
All digital AGC is performed after the brick wall filter to eliminate compression or "pumping" of weak desired signals by strong adjacent signals. The AGC threshold may be set by the user to allow quiet operation under varying band conditions.
Single control variable bandwidth filter along with IF shift with auto center allows rapid customization of the filter to eliminate QRM. The variable bandwidth control directly programs one of the custom filter buttons for easy recall.Impulse Noise Subtraction and DSP Noise Reduction DSP impulse noise subtraction virtually eliminates distortion caused by traditional noise blankers by digitally replacing noise pulses with an estimate of the real signal. Multi-tone automatic notch filter and DSP noise reduction are also provided to further improve the listening experience.
The 12-band graphic transmit equalizer and continuously variable bandwidth transmit filter allow you to customize your signal for band conditions, operating style, and mode. All compression and ALC processing occurs before the final brick wall transmit filter to virtually eliminate splatter. For maximum talk power, either a feed-forward compressor and a compander may be selected from the console.
Built-in Iambic, Keyboard, and Memory KeyerThe built in CW keyer provides semi break-in modes for iambic A & B, non-iambic, keyboard, and memory operation at up to 50 WPM. World-class narrow-spaced IMD performance and brick wall filters, no ring filters down to 25 Hz bandwidth make this transceiver a joy to use on CW.Cat Control & Virtual COM Ports Allow Integration of Logging and digital mode Software
Virtual COMM port software allows almost any logging or digital mode software to be used on the same PC without cables. This eliminates external CAT control wiring by creating a software connection between Power SDR and other amateur radio applications. Power SDR software emulates the Kenwood CAT command set in its basic compatibility mode, which means that most amateur radio applications run right away. An extended command set is also available that allows software vendors to take advantage of the advanced features of the SDR-1000. MixW, Ham Radio Deluxe, and WriteLog are just a few of the applications known to work with the SDR-1000.Record and Playback 48 KHz of Real time spectrumNow you can go back in time using the wave recording and playback features of the Power SDR software. All of the signals within the bandwidth of your sound card (currently 48KHz) can be recorded to the hard disk to be played back at any time. You can tune in any station within the full 48KHz of recorded signals. This is handy for recording beacons, contests, important DX contests, and radio demos. Add the optional Automatic Tuning Unit and 2 meter Transverter
The SDR-ATU is an optional integrated wide-range switched-L tuning network for the SDR-1000. Based on an OEM version of the LDG Z-100, it provides fully automatic antenna tuning across the entire HF range. It will tune dipoles, verticals, Yagis or virtually any coax fed antenna over a wide impedance range. Features include: automatic matching of antennas from 6-800 Ohms (10:1 SWR), 200 memories for instant return to previously tuned frequencies, continuous coverage from 1.8 to 54 MHz and PowerSDR control of Bypass, Full Tune, and Memory Tune.
The DEMI144-28FRS is an optional integrated 2m transverter. Designed as a 2m IF for microwave transverters, it provides high dynamic range operation from 144-146 MHz. It provides 0dB gain and +17dBm LO drive on receive with a 3.5dB NF so that it can easily handle the output from other transverters. Power output is 50-100mW on transmit and can be reduced by the front panel power control.
2000 MT/s (Mega Transfers/second) Socket 939
Chipset ATI Radeon XPress 200
Motherboard Manufacturer: MSI Motherboard Name: MS-7184 HP / Compaq motherboard name: AmethystM-GL6E
Memory
Component Attributes
Memory Installed 2 GB ( 2 x 512 plus one 1 GB )
Maximum allowed 4 GB* (4 x 1 GB) requires the replacement of the installed 512 MB DIMMs
Speed supported PC3200 MB/sec
Type 184 pin, DDR SDRAM
DIMM slots Four
Open DIMM slots Two
Hard drive 250 GB SATA 7200 rpm
External I/O ports I/O ports on the front panel
Port type Quantity
9-in-1 (4 slot) + 1 USB One
IEEE 1394 One
USB (2.0) Two
Headphone One
Line-in One
Microphone OneI/O ports on the back panel
Port type Quantity
PS/2 (keyboard, mouse) Two (one each)
VGA (monitor) One
Parallel One
USB (2.0) Four
IEEE 1394 One
LAN One
Audio One each (line-in, line-out, microphone)
Expansion slots
Slot type Quantity
PCI Three (available)
PCI Express One (occupied)
DIMM Four (two available)
FIREBOX HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
Preamp Bandwidth 10Hz to 50kHz
Preamp Input Impedance 1.3k Ohms
Instrument Input Impedance 1M Ohms
Preamp THD <0.005%
Preamp EIN -125dB
Preamp Gain 45dB (+12dB digital boost switch)
Line Input Impedance 10k Ohms
TRS Output Impedance 51 Ohms
TRS Main Outputs Impedance 51 Ohms
Headphone Output 150mW/Ch 20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power 48V +/- 2V
Power Supply Ext line Transformer, Internal Switching
Bus Power Six-pin FireWire Port
Analog to Digital Converters 24-bit / up to 96khz
ADC Dynamic Range 107dB
DAC 24-bit / up to 96kHz
DAC Dynamic Range 110dB
IEEE1394 Speed
The FIREBOX is the most powerful 24-bit/96k FireWire recording interface that fits in the palm of your hand. The FIREBOX is a complete 24-Bit/96k personal recording studio combining two high quality PreSonus microphone/instrument preamplifiers, 24-Bit/96k sample rate and Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track recording software. The FIREBOX is the perfect hardware and software combination for a powerful professional-quality and compact computer-based studio.
The FIREBOX is the most professional-quality mobile interface in it's class delivering the following:
- Higher-quality analog to digital converters (Dynamic Rance 110dB)
- Class-A microphone preamplifiers - delivers more musical recording
- Ultra wide frequency response (10 - 50kHz)
- Road ready rugged build quality - metal chassis
Hardware
The FIREBOX has the highest record/playback track count of its size with the ability to record six inputs and playback through ten outputs simultaneously all at pro-quality 24-bit/96kHz. Two ultra-low noise high-headroom microphone/instrument preamplifiers with 48V phantom power are on the front panel for quickly and easily connecting your favorite microphones and instruments. The FIREBOX also includes a high quality stereo headphone output with volume adjustment on the front panel. The headphone output has its own two-channel driver stream which can be used as a separate stereo bus or two-channel output giving you the ability to send a “cue” mix to the headphone output and a main mix to the main output. Two additional balanced TRS line inputs are located on the rear of the FIREBOX along with six balanced TRS line outputs. Two channels of S/PDIF input/output and MIDI input/output are also included via DB9 breakout cable. A software router/mixer is also included for further flexibility and power. The 1/3U-wide metal chassis of the FIREBOX is designed to fit the MAXRACK rack-mounting system from PreSonus and can be racked with the TubePRE, COMP16, EQ3B and HP4 for a neat and compact computer recording system.
The FIREBOX works with both four and six-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) connectors and can be powered by either 6-pin FireWire bus power, or powered by an external power transformer.
The Windows XP and Macintosh compatible FIREBOX comes ready-to-record with Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track 24-bit/96K recording software, and is also compatible with many popular ASIO/WDM and Core Audio based applications including Logic, Sonar, Audition, Digital Performer and others.
24Bit/96kHz Recording System
The Delta 44 offers the same features and high performance as the Delta 66, but is designed for the person who does not require S/PDIF digital I/O. The Delta 44 features the same 24-bit 96kHz converter section that makes the Delta 66 the envy of the audio card community. And like the Delta 66, the Delta 44's breakout box handles 4 balanced or unbalanced, +4dB or -10dB signal level analog inputs and outputs. Also included is the Delta control panel software, which configures the card and controls digital mixing and routing.
Features
4x4 24-bit/96kHz full-duplex recording interface.
Configured as a PCI Host card with external audio break-out box.
4x4 analog break-out box accepts balanced or unbalanced connections
on 1/4 in. tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) jacks.
Analog I/O configurable for +4 dB or -10 dB signal levels.
Measured D/A specs: 103 dB (A-weighted) dynamic range, 0.0015% THD @ 0dBFS.
Measured A/D specs: 99 dB (A-weighted) dynamic range, 0.0023% THD @ 0dBFS.
All data paths support up to 24-bit/96kHz performance, no upgrades necessary.
Powerful digital mixing, routing, and monitoring capabilities.
Drivers Include: Windows 95/98, Windows NT, ASIO, ASIO2, Direct Sound, EASI, Multi-card 95/98, and Multi-card NT (up to 3 in a system), Gigasampler, Mac Sound Manager, and Mac ASIO. Technical Description
Basic Configurations:
Delta-44: PCI bus card. It uses a breakout box for audio connections. No mic preamp on audio inputs. Audio inputs are not "truly" balanced.
Edirol FA-66 @48/96/192kHz (Firewire Sound Interface)
PreAmp MED
IP3: 30,3dBm IMD DR3: 103,5dB; MDS: -125dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 19,3dBm IMD DR3: 100,2dB; MDS: -131dBm
FA-66: 1394a Firewire interface. Audio connections made directly to the soundcard interface. Inputs 1 & 2 have mic preamps (using XLR connector). Audio outputs are balance (TSR or XLR connector). Audio inputs are single-ended unbalanced with variable gain control.
FireBox: 1394a Firewire interface. Audio connections made directly to the soundcard interface. Inputs 1 & 2 have mic preamps (using XLR connector). Audio inputs and outputs are balance (TSR or XLR connector).
Delta 44 Operating Characteristics: The Delta-44 works best if placed in a PCI slot that is not sharing an interrupt with mobo or other PCI cards. Breakout box is prone to ground loops (the Delta 44 breakout box eliminator kit by Eric - AA4SW helps here a lot).
Delta-44 Pros: Because of the efficiencies of the PCI bus, this card consumes 50% less cpu cycles as compared to the FireBox. It automatically senses sampling rate, so changing from 48K to 96K sampling rates is seamless. Cost.
Delta 44 Cons: It can not be used with a laptop. Noticeable "DC noise" at the bottom of the 11025 Hz IF especially when using the 96K sampling rates. External mic preamp needed with some dynamic mics. Does not support 192K sampling rates
FA-66 Operating Characteristics: The FA-66 also installed seamlessly in my computer and didn't require me to remove the PC cover. It works best if you use a high quality Firewire cable with ferrite beads to reduce RFI and noise. Soundcard interface can be remotely powered via 6-pin Firewire port or by a wall wart.Edirol recommends a Firewire adapter that uses the TI chipset for optimal operation.
FA-66 Pros: It can be used with a laptop.Much less "DC noise" at the bottom of the 11025 Hz IF especially when using the 192K sampling rates.External mic preamp included.Manual volume and gain control knobs on the external interface. Greater dynamic range than the Delta-44 or Firebox. Variable input gain allows the user to setup the sound card for either enhanced strong signal handling or weak signal reception. Balanced mic inputs (low noise and less susceptible to RFI).48V phantom power for using condenser type micsHigher quality A/D and D/A converters for greater dynamic range Supports 192 KHz sampling rates Integrated compressor/limiter to prevent over driving the A/D converterVariable gain on the input which allows either max sensitivity or max strong signal handling capabilities ( Now in use !!)
FA-66 Cons: 25% higher CPU utilization than the Delta-44.It does not automatically senses sampling rate, so changing from 48K to 96K or 192K sampling rates is not seamless.Cost
FireBox Operating Characteristics:The Firebox also installed seamlessly in my computer and didn't require me to remove the PC cover. It works best if you use a high quality Firewire cable with ferrite beads to reduce RFI and noise. Soundcard interface can be remotely powered via 6-pin Firewire port or by a wall wart.
FireBox Pros: It can be used with a laptop. Much less "DC noise" at the bottom of the 11025 Hz IF when using the 48K sampling rates. External mic preamp included. Manual volume and gain control knobs on the external interface. Greater dynamic range than the Delta-44 (for better strong signal handling characteristics). Balanced mic inputs (low noise and less susceptible to RFI). 48V phantom power for using condenser type mics
FireBox Cons: 50% higher CPU utilization than the Delta-44. It does not automatically senses sampling rate, so changing from 48K to 96K* K sampling rates is not seamless. Does not support 96K* or 192K sampling rates. Cost
* 96K is not fully supported by PowerSDR
Edirol UA-1ex @48kHz (USB-Audio Interface)
PreAmp MED
IP3: 23,3dBm IMD DR3: 83,5dB; MDS: -102dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 10,0dBm IMD DR3: 80,0dB; MDS: -110dBm
SB Exxtigy @48kHz (USB-Audio Interface)
PreAmp OFF
IP3: 27,1dBm IMD DR3: 86,7dB; MDS: -103dBm
PreAmp LOW
IP3: 17,0dBm IMD DR3: 86,6dB; MDS: -113dBm
PreAmp MED
IP3: 23,2dBm IMD DR3: 96,8dB; MDS: -122dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 13,2dBm IMD DR3: 95,4dB; MDS: -130dBm
SB live! 24-bit @48kHz (USB-Audio Interface)
PreAmp OFF
IP3: 27,1dBm IMD DR3: 87,4dB; MDS: -104dBm
PreAmp LOW
IP3: 17,1dBm IMD DR3: 86,7dB; MDS: -113dBm
PreAmp MED
IP3: 23,5dBm IMD DR3: 99,0dB; MDS: -125dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 11,5dBm IMD DR3: 95,0dB; MDS: -131dBm
M-Audio Delta44 @ 48/96kHz (PCI-Soundcard)
PreAmp OFF
IP3: 27,1dBm IMD DR3: 89,9dB; MDS: -104dBm
PreAmp LOW
IP3: 17,0dBm IMD DR3: 87,9dB; MDS: -113dBm
PreAmp MED
IP3: 23,2dBm IMD DR3: 101,8dB; MDS: -125dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 13,2dBm IMD DR3: 102,3dB; MDS: -135dBm
Presonus Firebox @48/96kHz (Firewire Sound Interface)PreAmp MED
IP3: 28,2dBm IMD DR3: 102,1dB; MDS: -125dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 18,5dBm IMD DR3: 99,0dB; MDS: -130dBm
Edirol FA-66 @48/96/192kHz (Firewire Sound Interface)
PreAmp MED
IP3: 30,3dBm IMD DR3: 103,5dB; MDS: -125dBm
PreAmp HIGH
IP3: 19,3dBm IMD DR3: 100,2dB; MDS: -131dBm
SDR 1000 with good voice setting
CubaseLE Software with your SDR-1000TM
FLEX SDR-1000 Settings (3.6K Hi-Fi) with DEQ2496
Edirol FA-66
 I connect the W2IHY to the Edirol with the following connectio!
W2IHY EQ Plus connection to Edirol FA-66
Connected to the rear audio out 1 of the EQ Plus
Used Mike is the Heil PR 780 connected to the Mic In of the EQ Plus
http://www.flex-radio.com/
FlexRadio Systems introduces the FLEX-5000 line of open source Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceivers. The FLEX-5000 family follows the very popular SDR-1000, and now integrates all sound card functions and control over a single FireWire(R) (IEEE 1394) cable connection to a user provided computer. A separate sound card is not required. There are three versions of the FLEX-5000 (models A, C and D) each providing higher levels of integration.
The FLEX-5000A model is the base radio and it’s feature set is defined below.The FLEX-5000A Feature Set
■ Better Two-tone 3rd order dynamic range at 2 kHz spacing than the SDR-1000
■ Frequency Stability: 0.5 ppm, TCXO equipped
■ Individual optimized bandpass filters for all Ham Bands
■ Receiver can monitor transmitter spectrum
■ SO2R ready with optional second receiver
■ FlexWire™ interface for external control of rotator, antenna, and much more.
■ 100 watts PEP output 160-6 meters
■ General coverage receiver
■ Separate RX antenna connectors for optimal reception
■ Optional full performance second receiver (dual watch is standard)
■ Single FireWire connection to computer
■ Full Duplex transverter ready.
■ Fully automatic internal test/calibration. No external calibration equipment necessary
■ Internal antenna switching for up to 3 antennas plus receive only antenna
■ Balanced TRS line/microphone input
■ Full duplex RX and TX
■ Quiet high volume fan keeps unit cool
■ Optional full featured ATU 160-6m
Top Performing Narrow-Spaced Two-Tone 3rd Order IMD Dynamic Range at 2 KHz - (Not 20 KHz Like Everyone Else Advertises). An Incredible 105 dB on 14 MHz.
It is becoming evident that close-in dynamic range is the most useful specification to evaluate a receiver's performance. Receiving narrow bandwidth signals under crowded band conditions are where good receivers are separated from the best receivers. Most radio manufacturer's do not publish their 2 KHz two-tone, third-order dynamic range values because it is easier to get better looking numbers at 20 KHz that are not that applicable to real world operating conditions. The FLEX-5000 at 2 KHz spacing, exceeds traditional radio manufacturer's top of the line performance by as much as 10-25 dB, depending on the model.
Industry Leading Narrow Spaced 3rd Order Intercept Point: +33 dBm at 2 KHz Tone Spacing.A lot of focus in recent years has been put on the third-order intercept point (IP3) to tout a receivers performance. This specification is not an actual measured number; it is calculated from two other parameters. Therefore the IP3 value can vary dramatically based on the tone spacing used to make the measurements. The $10,000 radio manufacturers publish wide-spaced (20 KHz) IP3 values of +40 dBm, but shy away from reporting the "real world" close-in IP3 values. Why? This is because performance degrades dramatically inside their expensive roofing filters.
FlexRadio took a different approach – design the receiver to handle large signals at any spacing. That means that with the FLEX-5000, as well as its SDR-1000 predecessor, IP3 and thus third order dynamic range will not degrade as tone spacing (even at 100 Hz) is decreased. In practical terms, that means you can work the weak ones sandwiched between the high powered locals.
No Sound Card Required!
No longer do you have to worry about interfacing a sound card to your PC. The FLEX-5000 has integrated the A/D and D/A processing hardware built inside the radio. A high quality 192 KHz 24-bit DACs with exceptional performance numbers provides the spectral samples for the DSP to process. The integrated converters also eliminate audio cabling requirements between the transceiver and PC
True Full Duplex Operation for Simultaneous Transmit and Receive
The FLEX-5000 is a true full duplex transceiver with independent transmitter and receiver signal paths. This means that you can use the transmitter and receiver simultaneously for monitoring one band while transmitting on another when used with the optional full performance second receiver. With external transverters, full duplex satellite operation is also possible. On phone and digital modes, you can hear and see the spectrum of your actual transmitted signal. Full duplex operation also allows very high speed (<10 ms) T/R switching for CW and TOR digital modes.
Additionally, the existing MultiWatch™ capabilities that exist in PowerSDR, which allows multiple receive "windows" within the passband of the DSP is also available for each receiver. This unparalleled capability provides the most flexible receiver configuration of any amateur radio transceiver at any price!
True Diversity Receiving with the Second Independent Receiver
Using two separate antennas having different orientations with the optional full-featured, second high performance receiver, true diversity reception is a reality. Diversity reception is a well know to "top band" operators for improving the readability at the noise floor. By locking both receivers to the same frequency you can produce "stereo diversity" which allows your brain to more easily sort the signal from the noise.
FlexWire™ Peripheral Interface Bus
With the introduction of the FLEX-5000 family of transceivers, FlexRadio Systems introduces FlexWire, an intelligent, high speed, bi-directional communications interface that allows PowerSDR to communicate with a host of peripheral devices such as antenna tuners, rotor controllers and band switchers just to name a few. A family of FlexWire peripherals will be forthcoming from the company. Complete specifications and the programming interface will be published to allow home brew and third party add-on products.
Single 1394 FireWire Connection to your ComputerNo longer do you have to use parallel or USB connections to your software defined radio. To fully realize all of the capabilities of the FLEX-5000 and PowerSDR, a high speed RF shielded interface between the computer and the transceiver is a necessity. The FLEX-5000 family of transceivers utilize a single FireWire interface to facilitate access to PowerSDR. FireWire is the optimal technology to interface radio control and I/Q audio with PowerSDR. It will even allow the future connection of multiple radios to a single PC.
Redesigned 100 Watt 160-6m Power Amp
Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new 100 watt MOSFET push-pull amplifier produces a full 100 watts PEP on 160 to 6 meters. The PA has excellent spectral characteristics with low IMD and exceptional signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that produces a phenomenally clean signal. The new power amp also has the ability to be variably biased for class A or AB operation for use with external linear power amplifiers.
Optimized 11th Order Filters for all Amateur Bands from 160 to 6 Meters
The FLEX-5000 utilizes eleven, individually optimized 11th order front-end filters to cover each of the ham bands between 160 and 6 meters. These individually tuned filters minimize potential interference from strong out-of-band signals for ultra quiet receiver performance.
Balanced Microphone Input
Operators are increasingly making a serious effort to get the highest quality audio within the 3 KHz bandwidth of a SSB signal. The FLEX-5000 easily facilitates interfacing with signal processing equipment by providing a 1/4" TRS balanced audio line input. Using the balanced line-in with a microphone pre-amplifier will allow you to use a variety of ribbon, dynamic and condenser microphones for the configuration that best fits your operating needs. Or you can achieve studio quality audio by deploying a complex audio chain with equalizers, compressor/limiters, aural exciters and other effects processors.
High Stability TCXO for Accurate SSB, VHF+ and Digital Modes
Frequency stability is critical when operating VHF+ or HF digital modes. The FLEX-5000A incorporates a high stability temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) which reduces frequency drift to no more than ± 0.5 ppm. For even greater frequency stability, the FLEX-5000 has a software switched, external BNC connector for connecting a 10 MHz GPS disciplined or other high stability clock source.
Three Software Selectable Antenna Connectors
The FLEX-5000 has three independent SO-239 antenna connectors that can be assigned as transmit and/or receive antennas by operating band and mode. This capability provides the ultimate flexibility in contest situations or hunting for that rare DX by being able to change to a different antenna with a click of the mouse.
Separate Dedicated Receiving Antenna
Not all antennas have perfect reciprocal characteristics, meaning that a good transmitting antenna is not necessarily a good receiving antenna. This is especially true at long wavelengths of 80 and 160 meters. Hams that are serious about "top band" operating know the advantage of using a beverage antenna for receiving. They also know that they are very poor for transmitting. To overcome this dilemma, the FLEX-5000 has a dedicated receiving antenna connector. In fact, it provides both a RX output and a RX input to allow the use of preselectors and preamps "in-line".
Transverter Ready - Full Duplex 28 MHz IF
The FLEX-5000's incredible receiver is perfect for weak signal VHF+ and WSJT operation as a 28 MHz IF for interfacing to external transverters. The FLEX-5000 will turn your VHF-UHF-microwave setup into the highest performance station around. Full duplex operation opens the door for satellite communications as well.
Three TX Control Lines for Keying Amplifiers, Transverters, Sequencers and other Accessories
Keying external amps, sequencers and preamps is always a daunting task, but the FLEX-5000 makes it so easy with three user assignable TX control lines. Each TX control line can be configured for its own TX delay once the PTT is engaged allowing the control of multiple devices.
No External Calibration Equipment Required
The new FLEX-5000 family incorporates Built-In Test Equipment (BITE). This includes a swept signal generator, power sampler, and transmitted signal spectrum analyzer. The radio is capable of testing and calibrating itself. All models are factory calibrated and aligned to exacting standards. Audio Line-In and Line-Out Connectors
The FLEX-5000 has consumer level (-10 dbV) line-in and line out RCA type connectors for a variety of uses, such as recording audio from a contest so you can listen to that rare DX to make sure you don't have a busted call or output streaming audio to the web from your FLEX-5000
Power SDR™ and the FLEX-5000A - An Awesome Combination!
The FLEX-5000™ family, like the ground breaking SDR-1000, comes with PowerSDR software that performs all DSP, modulation, demodulation and control functions for the radio. PowerSDR is the "brains" behind the FLEX-5000's "brawn". With the release of the FLEX-5000, PowerSDR has been significantly upgraded and optimized to use a true multi-threaded architecture that greatly improves transmit and receiver performance. This is most notable when operating full break QSK at 40 WPM where you can actually hear between the characters.
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